Nancy Lee Jefferson
Resident of Danville
Nancy was a classic beauty, known for her graciousness, elegance and style.
Born on July 31, 1929, at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, CA, Nancy fondly remembered her early years at her Grandfather Hester's family farm in Santa Cruz. She passed away peacefully on October 21, 2014, surrounded by family.
As a young career woman living on Russian Hill in San Francisco, she met and married Ens. Donald S. Apple, USN (USNA '48) and they moved to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training. Don perished in a flight accident and baby Donald was born seven months later.
In 1953 Nancy married Harry Newhart. Their son Talbert was born "on a dark and stormy night", a story she enjoyed telling. She raised her two sons by herself for a few years while being "The Suit Model" at I. Magnin in San Francisco.
1960 brought Carl Jefferson and baby daughter Stacey into her life. They married and raised their family of five as "Jeff" started and grew Jefferson Motors in Concord, CA. It was always Nancy's goal to blend Jeff's children from a previous marriage, Michael, Richard and Ann, into the clan – a goal she ultimately achieved.
Nancy shared Jeff's love of Jazz and by 1980 Concord Jazz, the record company he founded, became their full time passion. Nancy was an occasional producer and was well known for her after-performance parties at their Clayton, CA, home which were enjoyed by such notables as Henry Mancini, Mel Torme, Scott Hamilton, Rosemary Clooney and Arthur Fielder among many others. It was a highlight of her life to spend 35 years with Jeff, who preceded her death in 1995.
Nancy knew the fragility of life and was determined to live it to its fullest. For the past 20 years she oversaw the growth of the family from her Danville, CA, home. Nancy enjoyed being the glue of the four generations of the Jefferson clan, hosting family reunions at adventurous places all over the world. She was blessed to have 25 members of her family join her at Alisal near Santa Barbara this past summer where everyone would gather for "Happy Hour", her favorite time of the day.
Nancy and Jeff were founding members of Diablo Scholarships and she always enjoyed volunteering at the Terrace Tea Room in Walnut Creek for the benefit of Mt. Diablo Therapy. She was a voracious reader, always had a crossword puzzle nearby and enjoyed fishing, painting, entertaining, spending weekends in Monterey and bridge, where she developed some of her closest friendships.
Nancy is remembered for her unconditional love and her determination to support her family and friends. She is survived by Sherry Kinchen and Theodore Gray, her sister and brother; by her children, Donald S. Jefferson (Beverly), Talbert Newhart (Berrel), Stacey Shewry (Jamie Wolfe), C. Michael Jefferson, Richard A. Jefferson (Osmat), Ann E. Jefferson; and by her beautiful grandchildren, Brad Jefferson, Alexandra Mickel, Ryan Shewry, Scott Shewry, Skyler Newhart and Tanja Jefferson. Known as "Gigi" to her great-grandchildren, they include Avery, Dean, Lyla and Gentry.
Thank you to the friends and caregivers who supported Nancy during these past months, showing compassion, dedication and patience during this difficult time. We will all miss her. Private family services will be held at Crow Canyon Country Club.